The Mauryan Empire — Flashcards

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Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire in 321 BCE. With the help of his mentor Chanakya, he overthrew the Nanda dynasty and established the first large empire in ancient India.

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Chanakya, also known as Kautilya, was a wise Brahmin and teacher who trained Chandragupta Maurya in statecraft and warfare. After being insulted by the Nanda king, he helped Chandragupta defeat the Na…

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Chandragupta defeated Seleucus, a general of Alexander the Great, in 305 BCE. As a result, Seleucus gave up territories like Herat, Kabul, and Kandahar to Chandragupta. They also formed a friendship, …

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The 'Arthashastra' was written by Chanakya (Kautilya). It is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. It gives detailed information about how a king should rul…

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'Indica' was written by Megasthenes, a Greek ambassador in Chandragupta’s court. It describes the society, economy, and administration of the Mauryan Empire. Though the original text is lost, summarie…

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Bindusara was the son of Chandragupta Maurya and ruled from 297 BCE to 273 BCE. He expanded the empire further, extending it to present-day Mysore in the south. He maintained the vast empire and conti…

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Ashoka is considered the greatest Mauryan ruler because he transformed from a conqueror to a peaceful ruler after the Kalinga War. He adopted Buddhism, promoted 'Dhamma', spread peace and welfare, and…

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In 261 BCE, Ashoka invaded Kalinga (present-day Odisha). The war caused massive death and suffering—100,000 killed and 150,000 taken as prisoners. Seeing the destruction, Ashoka felt deep sorrow and d…